Saturday, September 25, 2010

MALAWI


K10: The Red and Blue or Anchieta's Sunbird appeared on the highest value of the 1988 definitive birds set, and shows a lovely species of sunbird found in southern Africa. Named in 1878, it ranges from Angola and Malawi south.
50t: White-tailed Crested Flycatcher: I am still trying to locate more detailed information on this bird, and would appreciate anything readers may know about it.

LESOTHO


50c WWF Oribi: this small antelope (just over 2 feet tall at shoulder) has one of the widest distributions of any savannah dwelling ungulate. It is found virtualy throughout Sub-Saharan AFrica, from Senegal to Kenya to southern Africa. They are found in pairs or small groups, avoiding larger herds as other antelopes do. The oribi is the subject of an intensive WWF project to monitor captive-bred animals released into protected areas, to gather data on their habitat use and home ranges.

Friday, September 24, 2010

NAMIBIA


Sheetlet of Postcard Rate stamps (2009): a spectacular se-tenant design is pictured on these four stamps, showing the landscape, fauna and flora of the Brandberg Range. Species pictured include the leopard, the Augur Buzzard and the Kobas tree.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

NAMIBIA / Namibie


Std rate: Etosha Natl. Park Centenary, a 2007 issue. This stamp shows a stunning scene of the Oevojasandu Wilderness Area and several threatened species that inhabit this park including the caracal (at left).

Sunday, September 12, 2010

RWANDA


50 fr: this 1987 wildlife issue shows young leopards playing, most likely in the Akagera National Park of E. Rwanda

RWANDA


70 fr: This value of this oversized paintings issue shows the vivid colors of Gaugin's Ia Orana Maria (Hail Mary), painted in 1891 during his Polynesian travels

SENEGAL


500 fr: The Bowede headdress and ornaments are pictured in this 2003 issue showing traditional Senegalese costumes.

TUNISIA / Tunisie


250: Date Palm, one of the most important fruit tree crops of the Maghreb, is pictured on this 1999 flora issue

Thursday, September 9, 2010

SEYCHELLES


The three marine fish stamps are from the current definitive series. They picture the Seychelles Anenomefish (50c), the Picasso Triggerfish (R2), and the Seychelles Squirrelfish (R3). The other stamp (R1.50) depicts swimming from a set commemorating the Beijing Olympics of 2008. All of these stamps were affixed to a single recent postcard.

TANZANIA / Tanzanie


200 Sh. The Red Hartebeest is pictured on this 1995 fauna issue: it stands 5 ft. at shoulder height and is one of 6 species in its genus. This species is diurnal, inhabits wooded savannah areas and moves in herds of up to 30.

TUNISIA / Tunisie


550: Marine Life / Fish issue of 1991. The red snapper is a commercially important species in the Mediterranean, and a favorite of local fishermen.

Monday, September 6, 2010

SENEGAL


200fr: Competitive League of Senegal, a 2002 issue. This attractive design shows a globe below a stylized map of Senegal painted in the national colors, with a prominent star, a symbol of the national flag. It was postmarked in the town of Mbour.

SWAZILAND


E 1.60: Maidens perform the reed dance, a traditional ceremony to honor the Queen Mother of this small mountain kingdom. The dates of the umhlanga reed dance are determined by the moon cycle, and only childless, unmarried girls can take part. This stamp was issued to commemorate the 40th anniv. of Swazi independence.

ZAMBIA / Zambie


K4950 on K2700 overprint: The Aardwolf is a small southern African hyena whose specialized diet consists entirely of termites and insect larvae. This issue shows the species near several termite mounds, a common feature in wooded savannahs.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

ZAIRE Overprinted Dem. Rep. of CONGO


70 fr: this issue from Zaire was overprinted as the country changed names after 1998. It shows the Dark Chanting Goshawk, a solitary bird of prey which inhabits humid areas of central Africa. It preys on lizards and small reptiles.

TUNISIA / Tunisie


500: Fauna - Desert Monitor Lizard. This species has a wide range across N. Africa and into the Mideast. It is notable because as it ages, its color and banding fades away into washed-out tones.

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